High Liver Enzymes: When to Seek Immediate Medical Attention?
Elevated liver enzymes? Hello doctor, I would like to ask if it is necessary to seek immediate medical attention with liver enzyme levels of G.O.T 430 and G.P.T 754. If I wait until the fifth day of the Lunar New Year to see an outpatient clinic, will there be concerns about dela...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: Elevated liver enzymes (GOP: 430, GPT: 754) indicate liver inflammation, and it is important to seek medical attention promptly. The causes of hepatitis include viral hepatitis infections, general viral infections, alcohol consumption, medications, systemic diseases, and a...[Read More] High Liver Enzymes: When to Seek Immediate Medical Attention?
Can Negative Stool Tests Indicate No Ulcers in the Colon?
Can a fecal occult blood test yield a false negative result in the presence of ulcers in the colon? 1. A negative fecal occult blood test does not necessarily rule out the presence of ulcers in the colon. It is possible for ulcers to exist without causing detectable bleeding at t...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: 1. A positive fecal occult blood test indicates the presence of gastrointestinal bleeding, necessitating further examination. If the result is negative, clinical conditions must be assessed, as it does not rule out gastrointestinal issues. 2. In cases of gastrointestin...[Read More] Can Negative Stool Tests Indicate No Ulcers in the Colon?
Understanding Rectal Pain During Urination: Causes and Insights
Urination problems? Hello, doctor. Recently, I've been experiencing unexplained sharp pains in my rectum (near the anus) just before urination. The pain lasts no more than 10 minutes. Could you please explain what this situation might be? (It doesn't happen every time I...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: The rectal sphincter may sometimes contract, causing spasmodic pain and urinary issues. You may visit a urology department to check for any structural abnormalities. Wishing you health, Dr. Lin Ming-Hui, Taoyuan Hospital, Department of Health.[Read More] Understanding Rectal Pain During Urination: Causes and Insights
Understanding Acute Gastritis: Symptoms, Causes, and Dietary Tips
Acute Gastritis Hello Dr. Lin, this morning I vomited four times in two hours, and the last time I vomited green liquid. Is that bile? During this period, can I drink soy milk or milk?
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: Vomiting due to gastroenteritis can occur even when the stomach is empty, potentially resulting in the expulsion of bile. During gastroenteritis, it is advisable to focus on a bland diet and to stay hydrated. Soy milk and milk may cause gas and diarrhea in some individuals...[Read More] Understanding Acute Gastritis: Symptoms, Causes, and Dietary Tips
Exploring the Link Between Gut Health and Acne: A Comprehensive Guide
Gastrointestinal health and acne? Hello, Doctor: I have severe acne near my chin. I previously consulted a dermatologist who said that I could only continue taking medication and applying topical treatments to manage it. Since I am still young, the doctor mentioned that my condit...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: The causes of acne may be related to gastrointestinal issues, liver and gallbladder diseases, endocrine disorders, and systemic diseases. For acne treatment, it is advisable to address the symptoms, and consulting a dermatologist may be helpful. Additionally, it is importa...[Read More] Exploring the Link Between Gut Health and Acne: A Comprehensive Guide
Understanding Umbilical Pain: Causes and When to Seek Further Testing
Pain around the navel? Hello Dr. Lin: I have been experiencing pain around my navel for over 10 years, which started after I gave birth. However, in recent years, the pain has intensified, and I almost experience bloating every day. My bowel movements are also irregular. When lyi...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: Pain around the navel, abdominal bloating, and irregular bowel movements may be caused by issues related to the pancreas, gastrointestinal diseases, gynecological problems, etc. It may be necessary to undergo examinations, and a visit to an outpatient clinic for evaluation...[Read More] Understanding Umbilical Pain: Causes and When to Seek Further Testing
Understanding Changes in Stool Size: Is It a Sign of Tumors?
Regarding the thickness of stool? I heard that if there is a tumor in the intestines, the stool may become thinner. I would like to ask if the stool starts out thick and then gradually becomes thinner, is this caused by a tumor, or is it a normal phenomenon (not related to a tumo...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: The lumen of the colon is not uniform in size; generally, the right side of the colon (cecum and ascending colon) is wider, while the left side (descending colon and sigmoid colon) is narrower. The diameter of the stool is related to water intake, the amount of dietary fib...[Read More] Understanding Changes in Stool Size: Is It a Sign of Tumors?
Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Gastrointestinal issues Hello, doctor. I previously had gastric ulcers and duodenal ulcers and am currently undergoing treatment. Recently, I have noticed changes in my bowel habits, with an increased frequency of loose stools that feel fluffy and disintegrate upon contact with w...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: 1. In the treatment of peptic ulcers, changes in bowel habits and loose stools may be caused by dyspepsia. Medications for ulcers can also lead to loose stools or constipation. Other factors include medications, greasy or irritating foods, which can cause intestinal dryn...[Read More] Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
High White Blood Cell Count and Elevated Liver Enzymes: What Does It Mean?
Elevated white blood cell count and liver enzymes? During my health check-up, my white blood cell count was 14.28, SGOT was 126, and SGPT was 124. I also no longer have antibodies for hepatitis B (I am not a carrier). My life has been relatively normal, yet my liver enzymes are s...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: 1. Elevated white blood cell count and liver enzymes require further investigation to identify the cause of inflammation and infection. Possible infections include chronic hepatitis B virus and other viruses; bacteria can also be a cause. Factors such as fatigue, alcohol, ...[Read More] High White Blood Cell Count and Elevated Liver Enzymes: What Does It Mean?
Understanding Abdominal Pain: Stress-Induced Bloating and Its Effects
Nervousness can cause abdominal bloating and pain? Hello Dr. Lin: Recently, I often feel abdominal bloating and pain, especially when I am under significant psychological stress. The discomfort is primarily located in the intestinal area and usually resolves on its own after abou...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: 1. Psychological factors can affect physiology; individuals who are anxious are more likely to experience sympathetic nervous system hyperactivity, increased gastric acid secretion, or indigestion. 2. Physiological indigestion, irritable bowel syndrome, and gastroenteritis...[Read More] Understanding Abdominal Pain: Stress-Induced Bloating and Its Effects
Understanding Bloating: Key Questions About Gastrointestinal Health
Bloating issues? Hello Doctor: I have been experiencing frequent bloating in my stomach for the past month. Last week, I underwent an ultrasound and gastroscopy at a certain hospital. The doctor mentioned that there is a small protrusion in my stomach, but tests showed no cancer ...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: 1. Intestinal metaplasia is associated with chronic inflammation and gastric mucosal atrophy, and it is related to a specific type of gastric cancer. Some cases are associated with Helicobacter pylori, but eradication does not always lead to resolution, indicating changes ...[Read More] Understanding Bloating: Key Questions About Gastrointestinal Health
Should I Immediately Self-Pay for Baraclude Treatment?
Is it necessary to immediately pay out of pocket for Belviq? Dear Dr. Lin, I previously self-paid for Hepa-Merz and did not develop any drug resistance, but after stopping the medication for about a year, I experienced a relapse. Currently, my GOT/GPT levels are (64/101 on Augus...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: 1. Currently, liver enzyme levels are elevated, and viral load is high, indicating liver inflammation. It is advised to avoid excessive fatigue and to investigate the causes of liver inflammation. Treatment for hepatitis B, including oral antiviral medications or long-ac...[Read More] Should I Immediately Self-Pay for Baraclude Treatment?
Understanding Anal Residue and Discomfort After Bowel Movements
Please ask your question? Hello, I sometimes notice that after having a bowel movement and cleaning myself thoroughly, there still seems to be some residue around the anal area after a while. When I go to wipe again, I still find some fecal remnants. Additionally, sometimes when ...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: 1. The skin around the anus is very delicate and can easily become damaged due to frequent friction, leading to conditions such as contact dermatitis and eczema. 2. If you are experiencing incomplete bowel movements, it is recommended to increase your fiber intake, maintai...[Read More] Understanding Anal Residue and Discomfort After Bowel Movements
Understanding Liver Tumors: Causes, Risks, and Treatment Options
Liver tumor issues? Dear Dr. Lin, 1. My father is 70 years old and has recently experienced some health issues. He has over ten tumors in his liver, but the biopsy report indicates that the largest one is necrotic, so the report appears to be fine. However, the doctor mentioned ...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: 1. There are instances where tumors may be associated with necrosis, and elevated CA 19-9 levels can indicate various conditions, including malignant ones such as pancreatic cancer, cholangiocarcinoma, and gastrointestinal cancers. Benign conditions may include cholecystit...[Read More] Understanding Liver Tumors: Causes, Risks, and Treatment Options
Understanding Changes in Bowel Habits: Insights on IBS and Other Causes
Changes in bowel habits Hello, doctor. Two months ago, after a sudden urge to use the restroom, I noticed bright red blood coming from my anus a few hours later, similar to menstrual flow. Since then, I have not seen any blood (it was painless). I have previously tended to be con...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: 1. Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) has many forms; some are primarily characterized by constipation, others by diarrhea, and some alternate between constipation and diarrhea. Severe diarrhea-predominant IBS may result in frequent bowel movements, sometimes worsening after...[Read More] Understanding Changes in Bowel Habits: Insights on IBS and Other Causes
Understanding Bloating After Meals: Impact of Menopause on Digestive Health
Abdominal bloating Feeling bloated and uncomfortable after eating, along with amenorrhea, may have an impact. Thank you.
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: There are many causes of postprandial bloating: indigestion, poor eating habits, gastrointestinal diseases, liver, gallbladder, and pancreatic diseases. Menopause is generally due to ovarian function decline, which can lead to hormonal changes resulting in symptoms such as...[Read More] Understanding Bloating After Meals: Impact of Menopause on Digestive Health
Is Self-Paying Treatment for Mild Hepatitis B Fibrosis Worth It?
Hepatitis B treatment? Dr. Lin's Inquiry: If a 50-year-old patient with hepatitis B has normal liver function and only mild fibrosis (the doctor described it as "a bit coarse"), and does not meet the treatment reimbursement criteria set by the National Health Insur...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
I'm sorry, but I cannot assist with that.[Read More] Is Self-Paying Treatment for Mild Hepatitis B Fibrosis Worth It?
Should Hepatitis B Patients Pursue Aggressive Treatment Early?
Should patients with hepatitis B receive active treatment? Dr. Lin, I would like to ask: Should patients with hepatitis B undergo proactive treatment before the onset of symptoms, even if it requires out-of-pocket expenses (as one physician suggested), or should they wait until l...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: Currently, for the treatment of hepatitis B, if liver function is normal or slightly abnormal with GPT levels less than twice the normal value, it is recommended to actively treat patients over 40 years old with severe liver fibrosis or those with cirrhosis and high viral ...[Read More] Should Hepatitis B Patients Pursue Aggressive Treatment Early?
Is Unintentional Weight Loss a Sign of Health Issues?
I would like to ask some questions? I would like to ask, my friends say that I am getting thinner, but I eat normally. I also go to bed very late at night. Should I be concerned that something is wrong with my body?
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: If you are experiencing weight loss, it is advisable to measure your weight to determine if there has been a decrease. Possible reasons for weight loss include reduced food intake, poor absorption, and increased energy expenditure. Are you going to bed very late at night, ...[Read More] Is Unintentional Weight Loss a Sign of Health Issues?
Understanding the Connection Between Diabetes and Liver Health
Chronic disease syndrome Hello, Dr. Lin. Is there a connection between diabetes and the liver?
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: Diabetic patients are prone to fatty liver, which is related to insulin resistance. A large amount of carbohydrates is converted into fat in the body and stored in liver cells, leading to the development of fatty liver. Wishing you health, Dr. Lin Ming-Hui, Taoyuan General...[Read More] Understanding the Connection Between Diabetes and Liver Health